5 Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the flame of his fire shall not shine. 6 The light shall become dark in his tent, and his lamp over him shall be put out. 7 The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down. 8 For he is sent into the net by his own feet, and he walketh on the meshes; 9 The gin taketh [him] by the heel, the snare layeth hold on him; 10 A cord is hidden for him in the ground, and his trap in the way.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 18:5-10
Commentary on Job 18:5-10
(Read Job 18:5-10)
Bildad describes the miserable condition of a wicked man; in which there is much certain truth, if we consider that a sinful condition is a sad condition, and that sin will be men's ruin, if they do not repent. Though Bildad thought the application of it to Job was easy, yet it was not safe nor just. It is common for angry disputants to rank their opponents among God's enemies, and to draw wrong conclusions from important truths. The destruction of the wicked is foretold. That destruction is represented under the similitude of a beast or bird caught in a snare, or a malefactor taken into custody. Satan, as he was a murderer, so he was a robber, from the beginning. He, the tempter, lays snares for sinners wherever they go. If he makes them sinful like himself, he will make them miserable like himself. Satan hunts for the precious life. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare for himself, and God is preparing for his destruction. See here how the sinner runs himself into the snare.